Device and method for collecting and dispensing colostrum

ABSTRACT

A method of using a system to collect colostrum from a breast of a human and using at least part of the system to dispense the colostrum to an newborn involves: coupling an interface member with a suction member to form at least part of the system; positioning the interface member in contact with or near the breast; expressing colostrum from the breast, into the interface member; applying suction force to the interface member, using the suction member, to draw the colostrum into the suction member; detaching the interface member from the suction member; and dispensing the colostrum to the newborn from the suction member.

CROSS REFERENCE WITH RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.13/447,186, filed Apr. 14, 2012, entitled “Systems and Methods forCollecting, Storing, and Administering Fluid from a Breast,” whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/475,578, filedon Apr. 14, 2011. This application also claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/780,804, filed on Mar. 13, 2013, entitled“Device and Method for Collecting and Dispensing Colostrum.” Theabove-referenced applications are all hereby incorporated by referencein their entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application pertains generally the field of medical devices.More specifically, the present application pertains to devices, systemsand methods for collecting colostrum from a breast and dispensing thecolostrum to a newborn baby.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Colostrum is fluid produced by the mammary glands of mammals in latestage of pregnancy, such as just prior to giving birth, and sometimeseven after pregnancy. Colostrum is the first nutritional liquid thatcomes out of the breast during lactation. Colostrum has higher proteincontent than ordinary milk, and contains antibodies to protect thenewborn against disease. This highly nutritional liquid is packed withantibodies and other immune enhancing substances and is thus veryimportant for healthy new born development. Colostrum is essentiallynewborn's first food, and helps the newborn transition to consumption ofmature milk. Thus, it is important that colostrum be fed to newbornsafter birth.

Colostrum is produced at a very slow rate of several milliliters perhour and generally requires some form of pumping and or hand expressionto cause it to exit the breast. In the first few days after birth, it isextremely important to breastfeed a newborn at least 8-12 times each 24hours, and more often is even better. This allows the baby to get allthe benefits of the colostrum and also stimulates production of aplentiful supply of mature milk.

Collection of colostrum is difficult, due to the small amount of volumeproduced, and existing breast milk pumps are not designed for the higherviscosity colostrum and/or the small volumes of colostrum produced andexpressed from the breast. Besides pumps for breast milk, the generallyaccepted practice is to use whatever container is available to collectthe colostrum. This could be a spoon, small cup, or small vial. Usuallyall of these containers require transfer to another container foradministering (such as a syringe). This transfer of material leads toloss of colostrum when every precious drop counts.

Various techniques may be used to provide colostrum to newborn. Forexample, a medicine cup or a plastic spoon may be used to collect thecolostrum from the mother's breast(s). In some cases, the collectedcolostrum is then transferred to a syringe, which is then used toadminister the colostrum to the newborn. In other cases, the colostrumis administered to the baby directly from the cup or spoon.

In the case of humans, in certain situations, the newborn may beseparated from the mother immediately after birth. For example, thenewborn may need to be treated right after birth, such as due topremature birth, infection, or other medical conditions. In such cases,the mother would not be able to directly feed the newborn from herbreasts. Other cases, such as maternal pain, newborn inability toeffectively suck, etc., often prevent direct breast feeding in the earlypostpartum stage. Also, a mother may choose not to directly breastfeedthe newborn, and may elect, instead, to use a device for administeringthe colostrum to the newborn.

Generally, the currently used techniques and devices for collecting andadministering colostrum have a number of drawbacks. First, the currenttechniques involve expressing the colostrum into a first container, andthen using a second, separate device, such as a syringe, to remove thecolostrum from the first container and dispense it to the newborn. Thisprocess exposes the colostrum to air and thus possible germ contact, isinconvenient for mothers, and typically wastes at least some amount ofcolostrum in the transfer process. Second, the current techniquesgenerally involve expressing colostrum into a relatively largecontainer, such as a plastic cup or breast pump bottle. Colostrum isnaturally produced in very small volumes, but mothers trying to expresscolostrum may often get discouraged when the colostrum appears to beincredibly small-volume relative to a large container. In summary, thecurrent techniques do not work well for many nursing mothers and oftencause a woman to give up on breast feeding during the first few days ofa newborn's life.

Therefore, it would be desirable to provide methods, devices and systemsfor collecting colostrum from a breast and storing and/or dispensing thecolostrum. Ideally, these methods, devices and systems would be easy touse and not intimidating to mothers. The methods, devices and systemswould also ideally transfer colostrum from breast to newborn in anefficient way, so that very little colostrum is lost in the process.

SUMMARY

The embodiments described herein relate to methods, systems and devicesfor collecting and dispensing colostrum. Although the embodiments willbe described for use in collecting and dispensing colostrum, some or allembodiments may also be used for collecting and dispensing breast milk.Certain words will be used in this application to describe variousembodiments, and these words should not be interpreted overly narrowly.For example, the term “system” or the phrase “connected system” may beused to describe a colostrum collection/administration system withmultiple parts, at least some of which attach together during at leastsome portion of a collection/administration method. In variousembodiments, these systems may include fewer or additional components,some of which attach and others of which may not attach. Similarly, theterms “dispensing” and “administering” may be used interchangeably, asmay any other suitable synonym or similar word describing an action offeeding colostrum (and/or milk, in some embodiments) to a newborn.

One of the primary advantages of the methods, systems and devicesdescribed herein, which will be further explained below, is that theyinvolve collecting colostrum in a device that is then conveniently usedto administer the colostrum to the newborn. In other words, there is noneed for transferring the colostrum from a first, collection vessel to asecond, administration vessel. Although most if not all embodimentsinvolve some kind of interface device for helping collect the colostrum,the interface device is connected, either directly or indirectly, to acolostrum administration device, such as a syringe or othersuction-generating member. The syringe or other suction member can beactuated to draw the colostrum into a collection portion of the syringeor suction member, and then it can be removed from the interface andused to deliver the colostrum to the newborn.

In one aspect, a method of using a system to collect colostrum from abreast of a human and using at least part of the system to dispense thecolostrum to an newborn may involve: coupling an interface member with asuction member to form at least part of the system; positioning theinterface member in contact with or near the breast; expressingcolostrum from the breast, into the interface member; applying suctionforce to the interface member, using the suction member, to draw thecolostrum into the suction member; detaching the interface member fromthe suction member; and dispensing the colostrum to the newborn from thesuction member. In various alternative embodiments, the interface membermay include, but is not limited to, a funnel, a suction cup, a bulb, adome, a breast shield, a breast pump suction cup, a breast pump flangeor an adapter.

In some embodiments, coupling the interface member with the suctionmember involves directly attaching the interface member to the suctionmember. In some of these embodiments, the suction member may be asyringe, one end of the interface member may include at least one threadon an outer surface, and attaching the interface member to the syringemay involve threading the at least one thread into at least onecomplementary thread on the syringe.

In some alternative embodiments, coupling the interface member with thesuction member may involve coupling a first end of an adapter with thesuction member, where the adapter is part of the system, and coupling asecond end of the adapter with the interface member. In some of theseembodiments, the suction member may be a syringe, the first end of theadapter may include at least one thread on an outer surface, andattaching the first end to the syringe may involve threading the threadinto at least one complementary thread on the syringe. In someembodiments, the method may also include, before coupling the adapterwith the suction member, selecting an adapter from a container holdingat least three adapters, where each of the at least three adapters isconfigured to be used for one day of colostrum collection. In someembodiments, the interface member may be a breast pump shield, and themethod may further include activating the breast pump to help pumpcolostrum from the breast.

In some embodiments, colostrum may be expressed, at least in part, viamanual expression. In some embodiments, the step of positioning theinterface member in contact with or near the breast may involve forminga seal between the interface member and a surface of the breast. Invarious alternative embodiments, the suction member may include, but isnot limited to, a syringe, a bulb suction device, a cartridge or a vial.In embodiments where the suction member is a syringe, for example,dispensing the colostrum may involve positioning a distal end of thesyringe in the newborn's mouth and pushing a plunger of the syringe toadvance the colostrum out of the distal end of the syringe and into thenewborn's mouth or nose. Alternatively, the method may further involveattaching a flexible tube to the syringe, after detaching the interfacemember, advancing a free end of the flexible tube into the newborn'smouth or nose and dispensing the colostrum to the newborn through theflexible tube.

In some embodiments, the interface member may be gripped using at leastone ergonomic feature of the interface member. For example, such anergonomic feature may include, but is not limited to, an overall shape,grooves, vertical protrusions, horizontal protrusions, diagonalprotrusions and/or bumps. In various embodiments, the method mayoptionally include, before the coupling step, selecting the interfacemember from a package containing any suitable number of interfacemembers.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the method may further involve usingthe system to collect breast milk from the breast and dispense thebreast milk to the newborn. Also optionally, the method may involvestoring the colostrum in the suction member before dispensing it to thenewborn. In some embodiments, coupling the interface member with thesuction member may involve engaging a locking member on the interfacemember with a complementary locking member on the suction member. Insome embodiments, coupling the interface member with the suction membermay form a seal between the interface member and the suction member.Optionally, some embodiments may include a step of coupling theinterface member with a breast pump device before, during or after anystep of the method.

In another aspect, a device for collecting and administering fluid froma breast includes a container having a first end with a first openingfor collecting fluid from the breast, and a second end with a secondopening for administering the collected fluid, the second opening beingsmaller than the first opening, and a coupler for detachably coupling tothe first end of the container, wherein the coupler comprises threads onan exterior surface for detachably coupling to a pump connector.

In another aspect, a device for collecting and administering fluid froma breast includes a container having a first end with a first openingfor collecting fluid from the breast, and a second end with a secondopening for administering the collected fluid, the second opening beingsmaller than the first opening, and a plunger configured to detachablycouple to the first end of the container, wherein the containercomprises a lip at the first end that circumferentially surrounds thefirst opening.

In another aspect, a method for collecting and administering fluid froma breast includes detachably coupling a pump connector to a container,the pump connector being a component of a pump system, wherein thecontainer has a first end with a first opening, and a second end with asecond opening, using the pump system to collect fluid from the breast,and using the container to receive the fluid through the first openingat the first end.

In another aspect, a kit for collecting and administering fluid frombreast may include multiple units or parts of units of any of thedevices described herein. For example, in one embodiment, a plastic bagmay contain 20 parts and one instructions-for-use pamphlet. The 20 partsmay include multiple funnels and adapters throughout a 2-day hospitalstay. Each funnel and each adapter may be packaged individually toretain sterility. In another embodiment, a carton box may contain 20“kit bags” and one instructions-for-use pamphlet. Each kit bag maycontain a sterile funnel and sterile adapter. This kit bag may beadequate for a 4-6 hour period, for example. Any kit embodiment may alsooptionally include one or more feeding syringes. In some embodiments,for example the interfaces of the system/kit may be made by onemanufacturer and packaged by that manufacturer with syringe(s) made byanother manufacturer. Any of these kit embodiments may be advantageousfor some hospitals, physicians, nurses and/or patients, for enhancingease of use. Another optional feature of any of the kit embodiments maybe an app or youtube link that shows a video of a mother using a devicefrom the kit to further help the mother and nurse understand usage. Aweb link or app name could be printed on the instructions-for-usepamphlet, for example.

Other and further aspects and features will be evident from reading thefollowing detailed description of the embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings illustrate the design and utility of embodiments, in whichsimilar elements are referred to by common reference numerals. Thesedrawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In order to betterappreciate how the above-recited and other advantages and objects areobtained, a more particular description of the embodiments illustratedin the accompanying drawings and other embodiments is provided furtherbelow. These drawings depict only typical embodiments and should not,therefore, be considered limiting of the scope of the claims.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device for collecting andadministering colostrum/milk, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side cross sectional view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the device of FIG. 1, particularly showingthe device being used with a pump;

FIG. 5 illustrates the container of FIG. 1, particularly showing thecontainer having multiple markings in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 6 illustrates the device of FIG. 1, particularly showing thecontainer with the coupler and plunger removed;

FIG. 7 illustrates the device of FIG. 6, particularly showing thecontainer with a lip coupled thereto;

FIG. 8 illustrates another device for collecting and administeringcolostrum/milk, in accordance with an alternative embodiment;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a system for collecting and administeringcolostrum/milk, in accordance with another alternative embodiment;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are perspective and side views, respectively, of anadapter of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a system for collecting and administeringcolostrum/milk, in accordance with another alternative embodiment;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are perspective and side views, respectively, of aninterface of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a side view of a system for collecting and administeringcolostrum/milk, in accordance with another alternative embodiment;

FIGS. 14A-14C are side views of a system for collecting andadministering colostrum/milk, including various optional components, inaccordance with various alternative embodiments;

FIGS. 15A-15D are side views of a system for collecting andadministering colostrum/milk, including various optional components, inaccordance with various alternative embodiments;

FIG. 16 is a side view of an interface of a system for collecting andadministering colostrum/milk, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIGS. 17A-17C are various views of several interfaces of systems forcollecting and administering colostrum/milk, in accordance with variousalternative embodiments;

FIGS. 18A and 18B are side and perspective views, respectively, of asystem for collecting and administering colostrum/milk, in accordancewith another alternative embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a side view of a system for collecting and administeringcolostrum/milk, in accordance with another alternative embodiment; and

FIGS. 20A-20D illustrate a method for a system for collecting andadministering colostrum, in accordance with various alternativeembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments are described hereinafter with reference to thefigures. It should be noted that the figures are not drawn to scale andthat elements of similar structures or functions are represented by likereference numerals throughout the figures. It should also be noted thatthe figures are only intended to facilitate the description of theembodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of theinvention or as a limitation on the scope of the invention. In addition,an illustrated embodiment needs not have all the aspects or advantagesshown. An aspect or an advantage described in conjunction with aparticular embodiment is not necessarily limited to that embodiment andcan be practiced in any other embodiments even if not so illustrated.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device 10 for collecting andadministering colostrum in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 2 is aside view of the device 10, and FIG. 3 is a side cross sectional view ofthe device 10. The device 10 will be described with reference tocollecting and administering colostrum from a breast. However, in otherembodiments, the device 10 may be used to collect and administer maturemilk from a breast. Thus, as used in this specification, the term“fluid” is not limited to colostrum, and may refer to mature milk aswell.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the device 10 includes a container 12, a base 14,a coupler 16, a plunger 18, a tube 20, a blocker 21, and a lid 300. Thecontainer 12 has a first end 22 with a first opening 24, a second end 26with a second opening 28, and a compartment 30 extending from the firstend 22 to the second end 26. The first opening 24 is configured toreceive colostrum from a breast, the compartment 30 is configured tocontain the received colostrum, and the second opening 28 is configuredto deliver the colostrum from the compartment 30 to a subject (e.g., annewborn, toddler, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 3, the first end 22 of the container 12 has a lip 31that surrounds the first opening 24. The lip 31 (and optionally also therest of the container 12) may be made from a hydrophobic material, whichallows fluid to slide along the surface of the lip 31 (and the container12). The lip 31 extends away from an axis of the container 12 in aflare-configuration, and has a curvilinear profile. Such configurationis advantageous because it allows the container 12 to be placed directlyagainst a breast to collect breast fluid using hand expression, whereinthe lip 31 prevents or reduces the risk of spillage, and the curvatureof the lip 31 allows the breast fluid to “slide” to the bottom of thecontainer 12. Furthermore, the lip 31 provides a ledge that allows auser to hold the container 12 by placing fingers underneath it. Inaddition, the lip 31 may have a profile that is designed for efficientcup feeding. In other embodiments, the lip 31 may have otherconfigurations. For example, in other embodiments, the lip 31 may have afunnel shape, and/or a rectilinear configuration. Also, in otherembodiments, the lip 31 is optional, and the container 12 may notinclude any lip at the first end 22 of the container 12.

In the illustrated embodiments, the second end 26 of the container 12has a protrusion 32 that defines the second opening 28. During use, whenthe container 12 is used to collect colostrum from a breast, the blocker21 may be detachably coupled to the protrusion 32 that that it coversthe second opening 28. For example, the blocker 21 may be configured(e.g., sized and/or shaped) to be inserted into the second opening 28 sothat the blocker 21 is frictionally engaged with an interior surface ofthe protrusion 32. Alternatively, the blocker 21 may be configured(e.g., sized and/or shaped) to be placed around the protrusion 32 sothat the blocker 21 frictionally engages with an exterior surface of theprotrusion 32. When the blocker 21 is detachably coupled to the secondend 26 of the container 12, it prevents fluid in the container 12 fromexiting through the second opening 28 at the second end 26 of thecontainer 12. It should be noted that the manner in which the blocker 21is detachably coupled to the container 12 is not limited to the examplediscussed previously and that blocker 21 may be detachably coupled tothe container 12 in other configurations. For example, in otherembodiments, the blocker 21 may include a connector for detachablycoupling to the second end 26 of the container 12. For example, theconnector may include threads that are configured to threadingly engagewith corresponding threads at the protrusion 32 (either at an exteriorsurface of the protrusion 32, or an interior surface of the protrusion32) of the container 12. Furthermore, in other embodiments, theprotrusion 32 is optional, and the container 12 may not include theprotrusion 32. In such cases, the blocker 21 may be coupled to thecontainer 12 by inserting the blocker 21 into the second opening 28 at abottom surface of the container 12. Also, in other embodiments, thedevice 10 may further include a member (not shown) that connects theblocker 21 to the container 12. The member may have one end connected tothe blocker 21, and another end connected to the container. The memberprevents the blocker 21 from being separated from the container 12 evenwhen the blocker 21 is not inserted into the second opening 28, therebypreventing the blocker 21 from getting lost.

After fluid has been collected inside the container 12, the blocker 21may be removed from the container 12, and a first end 40 of the tube 20may be detachably coupled to the second end 26 of the container 12 byinserting the first end 40 of the tube 20 into the second opening 28, sothat the tube 20 is detachably coupled to the container 12 usingfriction. When the tube 20 is coupled to the container 12, a lumen inthe tube 20 is in fluid communication with the second opening 28. Asecond end 42 of the tube 20 may be placed into a mouth of the subject.The tube 20 then functions as a feeding tube for delivering colostrumfrom the container 12 to the subject. In some embodiments, the tube 20may be a 5 French feeding tube. In other embodiments, the tube 20 mayhave other dimensions.

In other embodiments, the tube 20 is optional, and the device 10 may notinclude the tube 20. In such cases, the protrusion 32 at the second end26 of the container 12 may be placed directly into a mouth of thesubject for administering the colostrum to the subject. It should benoted that the manner in which the tube 20 is detachably coupled to thecontainer 12 is not limited to the example discussed previously, andthat tube 20 may be detachably coupled to the container 12 in otherconfigurations. For example, in other embodiments, the tube 20 may beconfigured (e.g., sized and/or shaped) so that it is placed around theprotrusion 32 at the second end 26 of the container 12, and isdetachably secured to the container using friction. Also, in otherembodiments, the first end 40 of the tube 20 may include a connector fordetachably coupling to the second end 26 of the container 12. Forexample, the connector may include threads that are configured tothreadingly engage with corresponding threads at the protrusion 32(either at an exterior surface of the protrusion 32, or an interiorsurface of the protrusion 32) of the container 12. Furthermore, in otherembodiments, the protrusion 32 is optional, and the container 12 may notinclude the protrusion 32. In such cases, the first end 40 of the tube20 may be coupled to the container 12 by inserting the first end 40 intothe second opening 28 at the bottom surface of the container 12.

As shown in FIG. 3, the base 14 has a recess 50 with a first recessportion 52 configured (e.g., sized and/or shaped) to accommodate thesecond end 26 of the container 12, and a second recess portion 54 thatis smaller than the first recess portion 52. The second recess portion54 is configured to accommodate the protrusion 32 of the container 12.The base 14 allows the container 12 to be supported in a verticalposition when the container 12 is not being used.

In the illustrated embodiments, the coupler 16 has a ring configuration,and includes threads 60 at an exterior surface 62 of the coupler 16. Thecoupler 16 is configured to detachably couple to the first end 22 of thecontainer 12 during use. As shown in the illustrated embodiments, thecoupler 16 has a latch that extends circumferentially around the coupler16, which allows the coupler 16 to detachably couple to the lip 31 ofthe container by a snap-fit connection. When the coupler 16 is coupledto the container 12, the coupler 16 may be used to detachably couple toa pump connector of a pump system, so that the pump system may be usedto collect fluid (e.g., colostrum, milk) from a breast, and deliver thefluid into the container 12. FIG. 4 illustrates a suction cup 400 whichis a part of the pump system (not shown) that is configured to providesuction through the suction cup (pump flange) 400 to express or extractfluid from within the breast, wherein the pump system may be a manuallyactuated pump or an electric pump. In some cases, the suction cup 400may be any of the breast shields (or “pump flanges”) manufactured byMedela, Inc., Ameda, Inc., Evenflo Company, Inc., or othermanufacturers. In other embodiments, the suction cup 400 may be providedby other manufacturers, or may be provided by a manufacturer of thedevice 10. Also, in some embodiments, the suction cup 400 may beconsidered to be a part of the device 10. The suction cup 400 includes aconnector 402 with threads 404 that threadingly engage with the threads60 at the exterior surface 62 of the coupler 16. In the case in whichthe suction cup 400 is provided by a different manufacturer from that ofthe device 10, wherein the suction cup 400 is configured to detachablycouple to a baby bottle, the coupler 16 may be configured so that it canmate with the connector 402 of the suction cup 400, thereby allowing thecontainer 12 to be used in place of the baby bottle. In particular, thecoupler 16 may have an exterior dimension that allows the portion withthe threads 60 to be inserted into the connector 402, and the threads 60may have a pitch and dimension that allows the threads 60 to fittinglyengage with the threads 404 at the connector 402. The coupler 16 may bemade from silicone, polypropylene, other suitable materials, or anycombination thereof, in different embodiments. Also, in some cases,different parts of the coupler 16 may be made from different materialshaving different stiffness. For example, in some embodiments, the toppart of the coupler 16 may be made from a first material (e.g.,polypropylene) that is stiffer than a second material (e.g., silicone)from which the bottom part of the coupler 16 is made.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the plunger 18 has a coupler 200, a shaft 202extending through the coupler 200, a manual actuator 204 attached to oneend of the shaft 202, and a plunger head 206 attached to another end ofthe shaft 202. The coupler 200 includes two or more tabs 220, whichallows a user to turn the coupler 200. The shaft 202 is slidably coupledto the coupler 200 so that the plunger head 206 may be advanced towardsa base of the container 12 by pressing the actuator 204 relative to thecoupler 200, or may be retracted away from the base of the container 12by pulling the actuator 204 relative to the coupler 200. As shown in theillustrated embodiments, the coupler 200 of the plunger 18 has threads208 at an exterior surface of the coupler 200. The threads 208 of thecoupler 200 are configured to mate with threads 64 at an interiorsurface 66 of the coupler 16.

In other embodiments, instead of providing the tabs 220 for turning thecoupler 200, the plunger 18 may have other mechanisms for turning thecoupler 200. For example, in other embodiments, the shaft 202 of theplunger 18 may have a groove that slidingly mates with a protrusion atan interior surface of the coupler 200. Such configuration allows theshaft 202 to slidingly move relative to the coupler 200 along alongitudinal axis of the shaft 202, while also allowing the coupler 200to be turned about the longitudinal axis of the shaft 202 by turning theactuator 204 about the longitudinal axis of the shaft 202.

During use, the plunger 18 may be detachably coupled to the container12. In particular, the coupler 16 may be used to couple the plunger 18to the container 12 by detachably securing the lip 31 of the container12 to the circumferential latch of the coupler 16 via the snap-fitconnection, and by detachably securing the plunger 18 to the top portionof the coupler 16 using the threads 208 and 64 (i.e., by turning thecoupler 200 of the plunger 18 relative to the coupler 16 using the tabs220). The actuator 204 may then be used to advance the plunger head 206inside the compartment 30 of the container 12 to push fluid out of thesecond opening 28 at the second end 26 of the container 12.

It should be noted that the manner in which the plunger 18 is coupled tothe container 12 is not limited to the embodiments described. In otherembodiments, the plunger 18 may be directly or indirectly coupled to thecontainer 12 using other mechanisms. For example, in other embodiments,the coupler 200 of the plunger 18 may be screwed into the container 12,having corresponding threads at an interior surface of the container 12at the first end 22. In further embodiments, the coupler 200 of theplunger 18 may not have threads 60. Instead, the coupler 200 of theplunger 18 may be configured to secure itself directly to the container12 using a snap-fit connection, a frictional engagement, or any of othertypes of connection. In still further embodiments, the coupler 200 ofthe plunger 18 may be configured to secure itself directly to thecoupler 16 (and indirectly to the container 12) using a snap-fitconnection, a frictional engagement, or other types of connection.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 7, the lid 300 of the device 10 isconfigured for covering the first opening 24 of the container 12. Thelid may be made from silicone, a polymer, or other suitable material(s).The lid 300 is useful when the coupler 16 and the plunger 18 are notcoupled to the container 12 and when the user wishes to transport thecollected fluid in the container 12. In such cases, the lid 300 may bedetachably coupled to the first end 22 of the container 12. The lid 300includes a latch that extends circumferentially around the lid 300 (assimilarly discussed with reference to the coupler 16). The latch allowsthe lid 300 to detachably couple to the lip 31 of the container 12 usinga snap-fit connection. In the illustrated embodiments, the lid 300 isconfigured (e.g., sized, shaped, etc.) to detachably couple to thecontainer 12. In other embodiments, the lid 300 may be configured todetachably couple to the coupler 16. Also, in other embodiments, the lid300 may be configured to detachably couple to the container 12/coupler16 using other mechanisms other than a snap-fit mechanism. For example,in other embodiments, the lid 300 may be configured to detachably coupleto the container 12/coupler 16 using screw threads, clip(s), friction,etc.

In any of the embodiments described herein, the container 12 may includeone or more markings for indicating target fluid level(s). FIG. 5illustrates the container 12, particularly showing the container 12having multiple markings 500 a-500 c in accordance with someembodiments. The first marking 500 a indicates a first range (e.g., 2-10ml) of desired fluid volume in the first day (day 1) after childbirth,the second marking 500 b indicates a second range (e.g., 5-15 ml) ofdesired fluid volume in the second day (day 2) after childbirth, and thethird marking 500 c indicates a third range (e.g., 15-30 ml) of desiredfluid volume in the third day (day 3) after childbirth. The ranges areillustrated as having overlapping regions. In other embodiments, twoadjacent ranges may not be overlapping. Also, in further embodiments,the three ranges of volumes may be different from the examplesmentioned. In some embodiments, the markings 500 a-500 c may be moldedduring the manufacturing of the container 12. In other embodiments, themarkings 500 a-500 c on the container 12 may be color-coded, whereindifferent colors represent different respective ranges of target fluidvolume. The markings 500 a-500 c are advantageous, because they allow auser of the device 10 to gauge how much fluid should be collected fromthe breast.

In the above embodiments, the markings 500 a-500 c represent differentrespective ranges of target volume. In other embodiments, the markings500 a-500 c may represent different target volume levels (i.e., insteadof ranges of levels). Also, in the above embodiments, the markings 500a-500 c indicate different respective ranges of fluid volume desired tobe collected in different days after childbirth. In other embodiments,instead of “day(s)” after childbirth, the markings 500 a-500 c maycorrespond with different hour(s) after birth, number of meals, or otherunits that correspond with passage of time. In further embodiments,instead of three markings 500 a-500 c, the container 12 may include lessthan three markings or more than three markings. Also, in otherembodiments, instead of, or in addition to, the configuration shown, themarkings 500 a-500 c may include numerical information on the container12, such as volume levels (e.g., in unit of ml, cc, etc.), “1” in theregion for marking 500 a, “2” in the region for marking 500 b, and “3”in the region for marking 500 c.

In any of the embodiments described herein, any of the components of thedevice 10 may be made from a suitable polymer, plastic, silicone, othermaterials, or combination thereof. In some cases, any components of thedevice 10 (e.g., the container 12, plunger 18, lid 300) that maypotentially come into contact with breast fluid may be made from aBPA-free material.

Also, in any of the embodiments, the container 12 may have a size thatis smaller than a size of a baby bottle. For example, in any of theembodiments described herein, the container 12 may have a total heightthat is anywhere between 0.5 inch and 3 inches, and more preferably,between 1 inch and 2 inches (e.g., 1.5 inch). Also, in some embodiments,the container 12 may be configured to hold at most 40 ml of fluid, andmore preferably, at most 30 ml of fluid, or less. Such size feature isadvantageous, because the amount of colostrum produced by a mother maynot be significant, and if a large container (e.g., a baby bottle) isused to collect the colostrum, a mother may be discouraged frombreastfeeding when she sees that there is very little colostrum relativeto the size of the container. Thus, providing a container 12 that issmaller than a size of a baby bottle has functional reasons, and is nota matter of design choice. FIG. 3 provides some exemplary dimensions (inunit of inch) for the device 10 in accordance with some embodiments. Inother embodiments, the container 12 may have other dimensions that aredifferent from those described.

A method of using the device 10 in accordance with some embodiments willnow be described. First, to set up the device 10 for collecting breastfluid (e.g., colostrum, milk), the plunger 18 is separated from thecontainer 12 by turning the coupler 200 of the plunger 18 relative tothe coupler 16 (e.g., using the tabs 220) until the threads 208 and 64are decoupled from each other. The coupler 16 is detachably coupled tothe first end 22 of the container 12 by snap-fitting the edge of thecoupler 16 against the lip 31 of the container 12, and the suction cup400 of a pump system is detachably coupled to the coupler 16 by screwingthe coupler 16 relative to the connector 402 of the suction cup 400.Thus, the suction cup 400 is secured to the container 12 through thecoupler 16. The blocker 21 is then used to cover the second opening 28at the second end 26 of the container 12. The suction cup 400 is placedover the breast, and the pump system is then activated to create suctionat the suction cup 400, thereby expressing or extracting breast fluidout of the holes in the nipple at the breast. The collected breast fluidenters the container 12 through the first opening 24 at the first end 22of the container 12, and is contained in the compartment 30 of thecontainer 12.

In other embodiments, instead of using a pump system to collect thecolostrum/milk, hand expression may be employed to collect thecolostrum/milk. In such cases, the coupler 16 may be removed from thecontainer 12 (FIG. 6). The first end 22 of the container 12 is thenplaced below a nipple, so that fluid exiting from the nipple resultingfrom hand expression may be collected by the container 12.

After the breast fluid has been collected, the suction cup 400 isdetached from the coupler 16. If hand expression was used to collect thebreast fluid, the coupler 16 is then detachably coupled to the container12. The plunger 18 is then detachably coupled to the first end 22 of thecontainer 12 through the coupler 16. In particular, the plunger 18 isinserted into the top portion of the coupler 16, and is turned using thetabs 220 to threadingly engage the threads 208 at the plunger 18 againstthe threads 64 at the interior surface 66 of the coupler 16. After theplunger 18 is mounted, the plunger head 206 functions as a seal toprevent the collected breast fluid in the container 12 from leaking outof the first opening 24 of the container 12. With both the first andsecond openings 24, 28 covered and sealed, the container 12 may then beused to transport the collected breast fluid from the mother to asubject.

Alternatively, instead of using the plunger 18 to seal the first end 22of the container 12, the lid 300 may be used to cover the first opening24 at the first end 22 of the container 12. In such cases, the coupler16 is not coupled to the container. Instead, the lid 300 is snap-fitagainst the lip 31 of the container 12 to thereby seal the first opening24 at the container 12 (FIG. 7). The container 12 may then be used totransport the collected breast fluid from the mother to a subject.

In some cases, when a nurse or a personnel at a hospital is not ready totransport the collected breast fluid, or when the mother wishes tocollect more breast fluid before the container 12 is delivered to thesubject, the second end 26 of the container 12 may be placed into therecess 50 of the base 14, and the container 12 may be verticallysupported by the base 14.

Once delivered to the subject, the container 12 with the breast fluidmay then be used to feed the subject. If the plunger 18 is alreadycoupled to the container 12, the container 12 may then be turned upsidedown, and the blocker 21 is then removed from the second end 26 of thecontainer 12. On the other hand, if the plunger 18 is not alreadycoupled to the container 12 (i.e., if the lid 300 is on the container),the lid 300 may first be removed from the container 12, and then thecoupler 16 and the plunger 18 may be coupled to the container 12.

In some embodiments, the protrusion 32 at the second end 26 of thecontainer 12 may be placed into the subject's mouth. The user of thedevice 10 may then advance the plunger head 206 inside the container 12by pressing on the actuator 204 of the plunger 18, thereby pushing thebreast fluid out of the second opening 28 and into the subject's mouth.In other embodiments, the first end 40 of the feeding tube 20 may bedetachably coupled to the second end 26 of the container 12, and thesecond end 42 of the feeding tube 20 may be placed inside the subject'smouth. The user of the device 10 may then advance the plunger head 206inside the container 12 by pressing on the actuator 204 of the plunger18, thereby pushing the breast fluid out of the second opening 28, intothe feeding tube 20, and into the subject's mouth.

When the feeding is completed, or if the person feeding the subjectwishes to temporarily stop the feeding, the second opening 28 of thecontainer 12 may be closed by using the blocker 21, and the container 12may be vertically supported by the base 14. In some embodiments, thedevice 10 includes one base 14, in which cases, when the container 12 isbeing delivered from the mother to the subject, the base 14 may also bedelivered together with the container 12 so that the person feeding thesubject may use the base 14 to support the container 12 if desired. Inother embodiments, the device 10 may include two bases 14. In suchcases, one base 14 may stay with the mother so that she can use the base14 to support the container 12, and the other base 14 may stay withpersonnel at the hospital so that the personnel feeding the subject canuse the base 14 to support the container 12.

In some embodiments, all of the components of the device 10 are for asingle use. In other embodiments, any one or more of the components(such as the base 14) of the device 10 may be for multiple use.

As illustrated in the above embodiments, the device 10 is advantageousbecause the same device 10 may be used for collecting colostrum/milk,storing the colostrum/milk, transporting the colostrum/milk, andadministering the colostrum/milk to a subject. Thus, the device 10obviates the need to transfer colostrum/milk from a medicine cup, spoon,pump bottle, or other containers, to another container for administeringthe fluid to the subject. The device 10 is also advantageous, because itprovides two modes of breast fluid collection, wherein in the firstmode, the device 10 is detachably coupled to a pump system to receivebreast fluid from the pump system, and in the second mode, the device 10is not detachably coupled to any pump system, but is placed directlynext to a breast for collecting breast fluid resulted from handexpression. The device 10 promotes feeding the newborn with humancolostrum/milk, which in turn may result in lower health care costs, andmany other benefits.

Although embodiments of the device 10 have been described with referenceto the device 10 having the coupler 16, in other embodiments, thecoupler 16 is optional, and the device 10 may not include the coupler16. In such cases, instead of using a pump system to collectcolostrum/milk into the container 12, the colostrum/milk may becollected into the container 12 manually by using hand expression. Afterthe breast fluid has been collected into the container 12, the plunger18 may then be inserted into the compartment 30 of the container 12 topush the fluid out of the second opening 28 of the container 12.

In still further embodiments, the device 10 may include the coupler 16,but the coupler does not include the threads 60 or any other mechanismfor coupling to a pump connector. In such cases, instead of using a pumpsystem to collect colostrum/milk into the container 12, thecolostrum/milk may be collected into the container 12 manually by usinghand expression. After the breast fluid has been collected into thecontainer 12, the coupler 16 may then be used to detachably couple theplunger 18 to the first end 22 of the container, as similarly discussed.The plunger 18 may then be used to push the fluid out of the secondopening 28 of the container 12.

In the above embodiments, the second opening 28 has been illustrated asbeing at the bottom surface of the container 12. In other embodiments,the second opening 28 may be implemented at other locations on thecontainer 12. For example, in other embodiments, the second opening 28may be implemented at a side of the container 12 (FIG. 8). Suchconfiguration obviates the need to have the base 14, and the container12 may be directly placed on a flat surface. Also, in furtherembodiments, instead of having a protrusion that sticks out from a sideof the container 12, as illustrated in the figure, the container 12 maynot have the protrusion. In such cases, the second opening 28 may beimplemented at a side wall of the container 12.

Also, in further embodiments, the plunger 18 may be at other locations.For example in other embodiments, the container 12 may include a sideopening at the side wall of the container 12 that is configured to allowan insertion of the plunger 18. In such cases, while the first opening24 of the container 12 is being used to collect colostrum/milk, theplunger 18 may remain coupled to the side of the container 12. After thecolostrum/milk is collected into the container 12, the lid 300 may beused to cover the first opening 24, or the top of the coupler 16 (if thecoupler 16 is already coupled to the container 12). The blocker 21 isthen removed from the second opening 28 of the container 12. The plunger18 at the side of the container 12 may then be actuated to push thecollected colostrum/milk out of the second opening 28, either directlyfrom the second opening 28 into a subject's mouth, or from the secondopening 28 into a feeding tube.

Referring now to FIG. 9, in an alternative embodiment, a colostrumcollection and dispensing system 100 may suitably include an adapter102, one or more collection/suction vessels 104, 105 (or “suctionmembers”—i.e., “syringes” in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9), andan interface 106 for acting as a conduit of colostrum into the suctionmembers 104, 105. In some embodiments, the system 100 may also include atube (not shown), which may be referred to as a feeding tube, forattaching to one of the suction members 104, 105 and advancing into annewborn's mouth or nostril for facilitating dispensing the collectedcolostrum to the newborn.

In any given embodiment, the system 100 may include a smaller subset ofthe components shown in FIG. 9 or may include additional components notpictured. For example, in some embodiments, the system 100 may simplyinclude multiple adapters 102, such as three or four adapters 102 housedwithin an outer package and also optionally housed in individualpackages. Each adapter 102 may be used by a woman for one day during thefirst 3-4 days after childbirth. In these embodiments, the adapters 102may be used with off-the-shelve interfaces 106, such as currentlyavailable breast shields from companies such as Medela, Inc. Theseinterfaces 106 may be used with any suitable breast pump system. Theadapters 102 may also be used with one or more off-the-shelf syringes104, 105, feeding tubes (not shown), and/or the like. In otherembodiments, the system 100 may include all the components shown in FIG.9. Therefore, the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 should not be interpretedas limiting the type and/or number of components that may be providedwith the system 100.

In use, the adapter 102 attaches at a first end 108 to an end 112, 114of one of the syringes 104, 105 and at an opposite, second end 110 to anend of the interface 116. Once the system is coupled together, the usermay then contact the interface 106 with the breast and apply suctionforce via the syringe 104, 105, a breast pump connected to the interface106, or both. Typically, using the system 100 as illustrated in FIG. 9,the interface FIG. 9, the interface 106 (or “breast shield” in thisembodiment) is attached to a breast pump system, which mechanicallyhelps to express colostrum into the interface 106. The suction member(syringe 104 or 105) may then be used to draw colostrum through theinterface 106 and adapter 102 into the syringe 104, 105. Because thesyringes 104, 105 may generate at least some suction force, they arereferred to generally herein as “suction members.” However, the syringes104, 105 are only one example of a variety of different types ofpossible suction members, as will be described further below. Thesyringe 104, 105 may then be used to contain the colostrum for as shorta time as just a few moments to as long as the colostrum can be keptfresh. In some embodiments, the user may remove the adapter 102 from thesyringe 104, 105 and immediately place the end of the syringe 104, 105into the newborn's mouth for dispensing the colostrum. In otherembodiments, a flexible tube may be attached to one end of the syringe104, 105, and the tube may be used to pass colostrum through thenewborn's mouth or nose to the throat. In other embodiments, the syringe104, 105 containing colostrum may be stored, for example in arefrigerated compartment, for later use.

One important feature of the system 100 is that colostrum is collectedinto a predominantly closed receptacle (i.e., one of the syringes 104,105 in the embodiment of FIG. 9), and that same receptacle is used toadminister the colostrum to the newborn. Since the colostrum iscollected directly into a syringe 104, 105, the method for extractingand delivering colostrum is simplified by eliminating the step oftransferring the colostrum from a collection receptacle into a feedingsyringe. The system 100, as well as other system embodiments describedbelow, may be referred to herein as a “connected system.” This simplymeans that at least some component parts of the system are attachable toone another during at least part of the colostrum collection anddispensing process. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 9, theadapter 102 is connectable to the syringe 104, 105 at one end and to theinterface 106 at the other end. Thus, the system 100 is “connected,” atleast during collection of colostrum from the breast. The system 100then becomes detached for dispensing the colostrum to the newborn. Insome cases, the dispensing step may involve connecting another systemcomponent (i.e., a tube) to the syringe 104, 105. This connected systemis in contrast to the commonly used methods for collecting anddispensing colostrum, in which the colostrum is expressed into an opencup, bottle or other container, and then a separate syringe or otherdevice is used to pull the colostrum out of the container and feed it tothe newborn. Using a “connected system,” as described in the presentapplication, not only simplifies the process of extracting andadministering colostrum, but it will also likely help to reduceinfections and passage of harmful germs, since the colostrum is drawndirectly into the suction member and then fed directly to the newbornfrom the suction member.

Another likely advantage of the system 100 and other system embodimentsdescribed herein is that they are designed to be less intimidating tothe women who use them. For example, the current method of expressingcolostrum into a cup, bottle or similar container typically involves theuse of a large collection container. The amount of colostrum expressedat one time, however, is almost always very small—just a fewmilliliters. Women may often become intimidated and discouraged, becausethe amount of colostrum they express, which is likely a very normalamount, will typically look like almost nothing when housed in a largecollection vessel. By contrast, the system 100 uses relativelysmall-volume syringes 104, 105 (or other small-volume suction members inother embodiments). In the example shown in FIG. 9, for example, thesyringes are a 5 mL syringe 104 and 1 mL syringe 105. These smallvolumes make it less intimidating for a woman trying to expresscolostrum from her breast, compared to the current, typical practice oftrying to express colostrum into a large cup or bottle.

In various embodiments, the interface 106 may allow suction force,mechanical force, oscillation force, electric stimulation, otherforce(s) or combinations thereof to be transmitted to the breast. Theinterface 106 also simultaneously serves as a conduit for colostrumcollection. The interface 106 may have a shape of a funnel, bulb, dome,or any other suitable shape, and is sufficiently flexible to allow formaximal apposition or partial apposition with breast tissue to reducedead volume and thus minimize colostrum loss. The interface may coverall or part of the nipple, areola or breast, and may or may not allowfor manual expression or other colostrum expression techniques to beapplied simultaneously. In some embodiments, ridges, grooves, bumps,regions of hydrophobic and hydrophilic coatings to guide material,electro-responsive strips, and/or other structures may be added to theinternal surface of the interface 106 to serve as flow channels forcolostrum. The internal volume of the interface 106 is configured tominimize wasted colostrum during the collection process.

The interface 106 connects to the collection/suction vessel 104, 105 ina detachable manner. This detachable interface 106 may include one ormore components that are flexible, such as a tube or ridged such as a Lshape bend, T connector, or other connection configuration such that thecolostrum may flow from the collection area into a container such as asyringe, vial, cartridge, or other containment vessel for the colostrum.Such detachable connection may be achieved in a screw-on manner, througha Luer connection, click connector, pin connector, cone and socket,magnetic link, stopcock valve connector, squishing valve, or otherstandard or unique connection mechanism. In addition, the sizing of theconnector may be such that standard interfaces may be used with thecollection/suction vessel 104, 105, or the interface 106 may be usedwith standard collection vessels and suction mechanisms. The connectormechanism may be an independent component with one or multipleconnection ports, or may be achieved through design features of theinterface and collection/suction member 104, 105. This may be achieved,for example, by the interface 106 having threading at the base of itsinterior surface, and the collection/suction member 104, 105. Anyembodiment of a valve may be included, in various embodiments, tofacilitate temporary or long term separation of the collection/suctionmember 104, 105 and the interface 106. Multi-directional valves may alsobe contemplated, to allow for colostrum diversion to alternatecollection vessels or to provide additional suction force or anymechanism to otherwise alter pressure, volume or contents of thecollection/suction member 104, 105 or interface 106.

In some embodiments, such as the one illustrated in FIG. 9, thecollection/suction vessel 104, 105 may be a syringe, which may be astandard medical syringe, cartridge, vial, or a uniquely designedsyringe. In an alternative embodiment, a collection/suction vessel maybe a flexible bulb suction device, which generates a suction force whenreleased from compression. The bulb suction may be used to generatesuction force after attachment to the interface 106 to guide fluid fromthe breast into the bulb as the collection vessel. In other alternativeembodiments, the collection/suction vessel 104, 105 may be any othergeometric shape with one or more components in which the volume of thevessel is altered in order to alter the internal pressure and/or volumealtered to change the dimensions of the vessel in such that the volumeof the vessel is not too large for the small volume of colostrum suchthat material loss or significant adhesion to the surface could possiblyoccur.

The collection/suction vessel 104, 105 (syringe or other embodiment) mayoptionally include one of a number of suitable coatings to reduceadherence and/or facilitate collection of colostrum, milk, and or itscomponents, such as but not limited to antibodies. The syringe 104, 105may be constructed with antibacterial properties and may be constructedof a material that allows for the colostrum to undergo processes such aspasteurization. The syringe plunger may have a locking mechanism tomaintain the plunger in such a position to generate a sustained suctionforce. Additionally, the syringe 104, 105 may have a locking mechanismcomposed of venting gas, a rotating counterweight, an oscillatingspring, and/or other mechanism that oscillates, such that the suctionforce could be dynamic at least for a period of time. When detached fromthe interface 106, the collection/suction vessel 104, 105 may be used todispense the colostrum directly into the mouth, hold the material forstorage, or transfer to another vessel. The collection/suction vessel104, 105 may have a cap to cover the orifice to facilitate storage,reduce potential contamination or spillage concerns and/or facilitatetransport once detached from the interface 106. The collection/suctionvessel 104, 105 may also optionally include an additional add-oncomponent, such as a nipple piece that may be screwed on to facilitatefeeding once the collection/suction vessel 104, 105 has been detachedfrom the interface 106. The collection/suction vessel 104, 105 may alsooptionally include a component capable of applying cyclic suction forceby way of moving the plunger in a repetitive motion and manipulation ofa valve, which may or may not be connected to an additional reservoir.Such an effect may be achieved by an electric motor, an oscillatingweight that is set at least partially off center to provide a swingingcounter weight, a pre-stressed or elastic or spring mechanism designedto release energy in a cyclic fashion once an initial loading force isapplied, or other suitable mechanism.

Any of the abovementioned components may be composed of any combinationof coated or uncoated paper, plastics, polymer, glass, rubber,biodegradable substances, wax or gels. Any component may be foldable orotherwise pre-stressed, to facilitate storage for transport. Anycomponent may be disposable or reusable. Any component may be composedof a substance that would tolerate traditional sterilization mechanisms,including but not limited to autoclaving, gamma irradiation or ethyleneoxide.

Referring now to FIGS. 10A and 10B, one embodiment of the adapter 102 isillustrated in greater detail. As described previously, the adapter 102may include the first end 108 for attaching to a suction member, such asa syringe 104, 105, and the second end 110 for attaching to theinterface 106. In one embodiment, one or more threads 122 may beincluded on an outer surface at the first end 108, for engaging withcomplementary threads on an inner surface of a syringe. For example, inone embodiment, the threads 122 may be compatible/complementary withNuTrio TwistLok™ Enteral Syringes (generic terminology “enteralsyringes”), manufactured by Acacia Neonatal, Inc. In other embodiments,the threads 122 may be compatible with other syringes. In someembodiments, multiple different adapters 102 may be available, which arecompatible with any of a number of different syringes. For example, aphysician, nurse, lactation consultant or the like may be able toprovide a woman nursing her newborn with one or more adapters 102,selected from a host of different adapters, based on a type of breastpump system the woman is using. Additional threads 124 may be includedon the outer surface of the adapter 102 closer to the second end 110,for engaging with complementary threads on an inner surface of theinterface 106. Again, these threads 124 may be designed to be compatiblewith any suitable interface, such as the breast shields made by Medela,Inc., as referenced above, or any other suitable breast pump shields orother devices. And again, multiple different adapters 102 may beavailable, each having a different configuration of threads 124. Invarious alternative embodiments, the first end 108 may not includethreads 122. In such embodiments, for example, the first end 108 may fitinto the syringe 104, 105 via a press fit. Similarly, in someembodiments, the second end may not include threads 124. Generally, thefirst end 108 and the second end 110 may fit with complementary syringes104, 105 and interfaces 106, respectively, via any suitable attachmentmeans.

Typically, the adapter 102 will be made of plastic and will bedisposable. In other embodiments, however, other materials may be used,and it is possible in some embodiments for the adapter 102 to bereusable and capable of being sterilized. In some embodiments, theadapter 102 may include one or more ergonomic features, to facilitatehandling and attachment of the adapter 102 to the suction member and theinterface 106. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, theadapter 102 includes multiple, vertical ridges 120, which may help auser grip and get traction on the adapter 102 when attaching anddetaching it. Other possible ergonomic features that might beincorporated into the adapter 102 may include, but are not limited to,overall shape, grooves, horizontal protrusions, diagonal protrusions andbumps.

Referring now to FIG. 11, in another alternative embodiment, a system140 for collecting colostrum from a breast and dispensing the colostrumto an newborn may include an interface 142 and one or morecollection/suction members 104, 105 (again, illustrated here as syringesbut other devices possible in alternative embodiments). In thisembodiment, the interface 142 has a domed configuration with a flaredcollection end 148 and a curved surface 149 that tapers down to a narrowdistal end and a connector portion 144, which includes one or morethreads 146 for connecting to the suction member 104, 105. As in thepreviously described embodiment, the connector portion 144 is compatiblewith multiple sizes of suction members 104, 105.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, the system 140 does notinclude an adapter and is not intended to be connected to a breast pumpsystem. Instead, the interface 142 acts as a colostrum collectionfacilitator. The interface 142 may be flexible or rigid and may be madeof any suitable plastic or other material in various embodiments. It isgenerally placed in contact with or immediately next to the breast, andhand expression is used to express colostrum into the interface 142. Theplunger of the attached syringe 104, 105 is then pulled back to draw thecolostrum into the syringe. Thus, unlike the previously describedembodiment, the interface 142 is not used to apply suction force to thebreast.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show the interface 142 in greater detail. In thisembodiment, the curved surface 149 acts as an ergonomic feature to makethe interface 142 easier to hold. Alternative embodiments may have othersuitable shapes and/or features, such as but not limited to bumps,ridges or the like, to further facilitate handling the interface 142.

Referring now to FIG. 13, in another embodiment, a system 150 forcolostrum collection and dispensation may include another embodiment ofan interface 142, coupled with the syringe/suction member 104 via a Luerconnection 154. (Of note, any of the above-described interfaceembodiments may also connect to syringes via Luer connections.) Thisembodiment is similar to that described in reference to FIG. 12,although the interface 152 has a funnel shape. This interface 152 may bemade of any suitable material, and in various embodiments it can eitherbe used to apply suction to the breast by contacting breast tissuesurrounding the nipple and applying suction force, or it may simply beused to collect colostrum and allow it to pass into the syringe 104.

FIG. 14A shows another alternative embodiment of a colostrum collectionand administration system 160, in which a flexible conduit 161 connectsat one end to the interface 152 and at an opposite end to the syringe104 via a Luer connection 164.

FIG. 14B shows the system 160 of FIG. 14A with the added feature of alocking clip 166 for locking the plunger 103 of the syringe 104 in afixed position. The locking clip 166 may be used to maintain a desiredamount of suction force via the syringe 104.

FIG. 14C shows the system 160 of FIG. 14A with an optional powersource/controller 168 connected via wires 167 to electrodes 169, whichare connected to the interface 152. The electrodes 169 are situated onthe interface 152 such that direct contact is made with breast tissuewhen in use. The power source/controller 168 is used to deliver energyto the electrodes 169, to help stimulate colostrum secretion.

Referring now to FIGS. 15A and 15B, in another alternative embodiment, acolostrum collection and dispensing system 170 may include an interfacehaving a connecting end 173, a bulb suction member 174 having aconnecting end 175, and a connector 176 having internal helical threadsthat mate with threads on the two connecting ends 173, 175. In someembodiments, the connector 176 may form a seal with one or both of theconnecting ends 173, 175 when fully connected. In this embodiment, thebulb suction member 174 generates suction force to draw colostrum intoits internal space from the interface 172.

FIGS. 15C and 15D show the system 170 of FIGS. 15A and 15B with anoptional power source/controller 178 connected via wires 177 toelectrodes 179, which are connected to the interface 172. The electrodes179 are situated on the interface 172 such that direct contact is madewith breast tissue when in use. The power source/controller 178 is usedto deliver energy to the electrodes 179, to help stimulate colostrumsecretion.

Referring now to FIG. 16, in one embodiment, an interface 180 (shownhere in cross-section) may include a flared end 182 for collectingcolostrum, a tapered shape that tapers down to a connector end 184 forconnecting to a syringe or other suction member, and multiple,vertically oriented ridges 186, in an alternating narrow/wideconfiguration, which serve as flow channels to help enhance flow ofcolostrum into the syringe or other suction member. In otherembodiments, the ridges 186 may be replaced by indentations, grooves orany other suitable surface feature. These ridges 186 or other featuresare optional, however, and some embodiments of interfaces may notinclude any internal surface features.

FIGS. 17A-17C illustrate three embodiments of interfaces. FIG. 17Aillustrates a concave interface 300 (side view at bottom, top view attop). FIG. 17B illustrates a convex interface 310 (side view at bottom,top view at top). FIG. 17C illustrates a spherical interface 320 (sideview at left, front view at right). As these embodiments illustrate,interfaces may have any of a number of suitable sizes, shapes andconfigurations, according to various alternative embodiments.

Referring now to FIGS. 18A and 18B, in yet another embodiment, a system330 for colostrum collection and administration may include an interface332 with a relative wide connection end 334, which fits into an open end107 of a syringe 104. In this embodiment, the Luer end 112 of thesyringe 104 is thus left free to connect with another device. In variousembodiments, the interface 332 may be either permanently or reversiblyattached to the open end of the syringe 104.

With reference now to FIG. 19, in another alternative embodiment, acolostrum collection and administration system 340 may include aninterface 342 that has a connector portion 344 with threads 345configured to engage with inner surface threads on a syringe 104 with aLuer connector 112. In this embodiment, the interface 342 is a breastshield for use with any standard or yet-to-be-designed breast pumpsystem. This embodiment does not require an adapter between theinterface 342 and the syringe 104.

Referring now to FIGS. 20A-20D, two embodiments of a method forcollecting and dispensing colostrum are described. In FIG. 20A, a system350, including an interface 352 and an attached syringe/suction member354 is positioned near the breast and below the nipple of the breast.Colostrum is expressed into the interface 352 using hand expression. Thecolostrum may then be drawn into the syringe 354 by pulling back theplunger of the syringe 354.

FIG. 20B illustrates another embodiment, in which a system 360 includesan interface 362, a syringe/suction member 364, and an adapter 366connecting the two. The interface 362, in this embodiment, is a breastshield coupled to a breast pump 365 via a tube 363. Using thisembodiment, colostrum expression may be stimulated by the breast pump365 and interface 362, with or without additional hand expression.Again, colostrum may then be drawn into the syringe 364 by pulling backthe plunger of the syringe 364.

Referring now to FIG. 20C, whichever of the methods and systems is usedto collect the colostrum, in one embodiment, the colostrum is then fedto the newborn by simply detaching the syringe 354 from the system andusing the syringe to feed the newborn by mouth. As mentioned previously,this method eliminates the step used in current methods of drawing thecolostrum into a syringe from an open container.

In an alternative embodiment pictured in FIG. 20D, the syringe 354 maybe attached to a flexible tube 356 for feeding the newborn. In someembodiments, as shown, the flexible tube 356 may be attached, via aconnector 372, to a previously inserted feeding tube 370. In alternativeembodiments (not shown), the flexible tube 356 itself may be advancedinto the mouth or a nostril of the newborn and used to directly advancethe colostrum into the throat.

A number of variations, including additional steps, different steps,different system components and the like may be made to the methodembodiments described in relation to FIGS. 20A-20D. Any such variationsshould be interpreted as being within the scope of the claims.

Although particular embodiments have been shown and described, they arenot intended to limit the claims included with this application. Variouschanges and modifications may be made to any of the embodiments, withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the claims. The claims areintended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of using a system to collect colostrumfrom a breast of a human and using at least part of the system todispense the colostrum to a newborn, the method comprising: couplingtogether an interface member, an adapter and a syringe, all of which arepart of the system, by threading at least one thread on an outer surfaceof a first end of the adapter into at least one complementary thread onthe syringe, and coupling a second end of the adapter with the interfacemember to form at least part of the system; positioning the interfacemember in contact with or near the breast; expressing colostrum from thebreast, into the interface member; applying suction force to theinterface member, using the syringe, to draw the colostrum into thesyringe; detaching the interface member from the syringe; and dispensingthe colostrum to the newborn from the syringe.
 2. A method as in claim1, wherein the interface member is selected from the group consisting ofa funnel, a suction cup, a bulb, a dome, a breast shield, a breast pumpsuction cup, and a breast pump flange.
 3. A method as in claim 1,further comprising, before coupling the adapter with the syringe,selecting the adapter from a kit containing multiple adapters.
 4. Amethod as in claim 1, wherein the interface member comprises a breastpump shield, the method further comprising activating a breast pumpconnected to the breast pump shield, to help pump colostrum from thebreast.
 5. A method as in claim 1, wherein expressing the colostrumcomprises manually expressing the colostrum.
 6. A method as in claim 1,wherein positioning the interface member in contact with or near thebreast comprises forming a seal between the interface member and asurface of the breast.
 7. A method as in claim 1, wherein dispensing thecolostrum comprises: positioning a distal end of the syringe in thenewborn's mouth; and pushing a plunger of the syringe to advance thecolostrum out of the distal end of the syringe and into the newborn'smouth.
 8. A method as in claim 1, further comprising attaching aflexible tube to the syringe, after detaching the interface member,wherein dispensing the colostrum to the newborn comprises advancing afree end of the flexible tube into the newborn's mouth or nose anddispensing the colostrum to the newborn through the flexible tube.
 9. Amethod as in claim 1, further comprising gripping the interface membervia at least one ergonomic feature of the interface member, theergonomic feature selected from the group consisting of an overallshape, grooves, vertical protrusions, horizontal protrusions, diagonalprotrusions and bumps.
 10. A method as in claim 1, further comprising,before the coupling step, selecting the interface member from a packagecontaining at least three interface members, wherein each of the atleast three interface members is configured to be used for one day ofcolostrum collection.
 11. A method as in claim 1, further comprisingusing the system to collect breast milk from the breast and dispense thebreast milk to the newborn.
 12. A method as in claim 1, furthercomprising storing the colostrum in the syringe before dispensing it tothe newborn.
 13. A method as in claim 1, further comprising coupling theinterface member with a breast pump device before, during or after anystep of the method.